Testimonials

Mentor Testimonial

Christine Lock - CPW Computing Ltd

Even with a busy day, it’s amazing just how easy it is to find the time to mentor!  With Ross, we not only met up occasionally but ran things by each other via phone, text or email…at the end of the day we both have businesses to run, so both did what we could, when we could.  All very flexible and easy really!

Mentoring wasn’t a demanding process but kept me on my toes due to the many questions and ideas that Ross had and wanted to share!  Consequently I found  the whole process exhilarating and very motivating. I felt energised and the process helped focus my attention on CPW’s sales and marketing processes, product and service opportunities, PR, Awards, etc., etc.

Mentoring isn’t just a one way street, its very much a 'win win' situation as both parties benefit from the new business relationship in many ways, including actually doing business together and the referral of leads being exchanged!

I would fully endorse this worthwhile programme and would be delighted to discuss the matter further with any other interested party.

Mentee Testimonial

^{Ross Dean – Ross Dean Photography}

As a new business, it's so important to surround yourself with proactive, likeminded people.  In the early days I found networking events helped me to achieve just that, but what I really needed was to 'check in' with someone every now and then to hold me accountable to my goals, bounce off ideas and to just be there to celebrate my achievements and guide me through my challenges. 

The EEP Mentoring programme from Suffolk Chamber was able to team me up Christine Lock of CPW Computing and through this, has really empowered me to achieve a lot more than I think I would have done going it alone.  The agreement is that we meet regularly and use the session however we think will benefit where I currently am.  It may be marketing; lead generation or branding that’s the order of the day, but whatever we choose there is always a measurable goal at the end to ensure the time is spent wisely.  Christine is also so kind as to be on the end of the phone or email when I need her, which really gives me peace of mind in those moments where you need it most.

I would highly recommend new businesses getting on board with the scheme as it really boosts your confidence, offers you a credible sounding board and helps you take your business to the next level.  Thank you EEP and especially Christine, it really is a partnership I hold dearly.

Mentee Testimonial

Michael Coe - Dimension Eighty Eight

My business, Dimension Eighty Eight HR and Training Ltd (Ipswich), started in April 2011.  I am really pleased that the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce EEP scheme has been available to me at the stages of early start-up.

For new start-up businesses information and guidance are key to business success and with the help and support of Suffolk Chamber and MENTA in Bury St Edmunds myself and my business have received excellent support and guidance.

I recommend Suffolk Chamber and the EEP scheme to all new businesses I meet.  The information, support and guidance has been very valuable and I realised at a business meeting, talking to other new start-up businesses (in another area) how fortunate we are in Suffolk to have this unique service.

I am also part of the Suffolk Chamber Mentoring Scheme and I have been placed with an excellent Mentor to guide myself and my business forward.  I know how dedicated Nicola is at Suffolk Chamber by helping all EEP members and I would like to thank her for all her hard work and for organising our Mentors. (You are a star!)

I would like to thank the Chamber team for the help support and guidance I have been given and for being innovative in helping new start-up businesses.

Jenny Labbett - Wisdom in Action UK

Just to say that I have experienced a positive change in Chamber events since Marie Frazer was appointed as Client Relationship Manager.  I had more or less stopped going to events, because so many of them seemed to me to be very ‘cliquey’, where people stayed in their groups and seemed unwilling to circulate and network.   At sit-down events, it was often the case that I sat with people who were from the same firm, so the possibilities of networking were further reduced. Marie has been pro-active in encouraging me to attend events, and has more than once arranged for me to be introduced to a specific person or company.  She is also very good at ‘meeting and greeting’.  It has altered my attitude to the Chamber! 

Ian Shakespeare - Fire Risk Assessment Consultancy UK Ltd

I have found being a member of the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce very valuable to my business. As well as getting additional business from networking events, the Chamber's Legal Advice Line, when called upon, has never failed to deliver a positive result. I recommend membership of the Suffolk Chamber as a must to all Suffolk Businesses.

Francis Pledger - React Computer Partnership

Thanks for your advice on using the Chamber website to publicise our company news articles. I posted one recently which appeared on your website, and in the email newsletter I receive regularly. This is an excellent 'cost effective' (as its free) way of getting our stories out there. It obviously keeps us in the public eye, but on this occasion helped us get some marketing funds from one of our suppliers, as they were able to see the type of work we were doing to help promote their product.

As you know, React has been members of the Chamber for about 3 and half years. We first joined the Chamber as a number of people said it would help us raise the profile of our company. Although I was a bit sceptical initially, I have been very surprised at the difference it has made, and I am sure React Computer Partnership is more widely known and has a more positive image.

It is important to use the networking events and I can honestly say, they do make a difference, which is proved by the fact of the number of clients we invoiced last year has risen significantly over previous years.

The people at the Chamber are always friendly and willing to give advice to help us with any business issues we may have, which is not restricted to marketing. So compared to our initial objectives, I would say we get far more from the Chamber than we imagined.

Rowland King – Biotech - Marie Frazer

Thank you once again for your kind assistance yesterday in tracking down the likely punters and future trading partners,  it was appreciated. Steve and I both had a pleasant evening and it was great to see such a good turnout.

Bob Scott - SMC International Homes S.L

Hi Marie, I’ve just opened the Chamber newsletter and noticed the excellent rewards for introducing new members. 

As this is mentioned on the front page, it should be seen by everyone, and let’s hope that you have a fantastic response.

With the opportunity to have the publicity you mention, I’m off looking for new members now!

Kindest regards.

Bob Scott

Sue Carter – Image

Being able to talk to our ActionCoach regarding all aspects of our business has proved invaluable in helping us achieve goals and focus on what is important for our business.

The advice and direction received from Alan has helped us to see ways to improve and grow the business, and improve efficiency.

Brigette Currin & Christine Hamilton - Elizabeth Valda Estates 

Being involved with EEP has been fantastic, not only from a networking point of view and for putting us in touch with the right people to develop our ideas, but also as a sounding board. It’s very daunting when you start out in business and it’s been really important for us to know that there are friendly and helpful people on the other end of the line to talk to.

Kevin Barber - The Best of Ipswich

I just wanted to say a big thank you for all the help and support you have offered myself and thebestof Ipswich team in recent weeks. Until our meeting I was unaware of the full range of benefits that the Suffolk Chamber has to offer.

Alan Todd - Action Coach 

Thanks for your help. It’s great to have such a good explanation of the Chamber activities and support in accessing them. I'm sure there are several areas that will be of great assistance to me including the business lists available.

Vivienne Maunder - The Writing House

When I set up the Writing House in 2003 I had no previous experience of self employment. Lots of enthusiasm, a handful of promising contacts and a background in public relations and writing - but, nevertheless, no direct experience of running a new business. Who did I turn to? My local Chamber of Commerce. Right from the start the advice and support was invaluable - pointing me in the direction of vital training, suggesting networking and events where I could cost-effectively and usefully meet potential customers, and offering invaluable, practical support as time went on. Several years on, I am still a committed and enthusiastic member. A more welcoming and helpful bunch of people would be hard to find. And the services they have to offer keep evolving, keeping the Chamber and Suffolk-based businesses at the forefront.

Niki Spatchett – EDF Energy

EDF Energy is working very closely with the Suffolk Chamber as a key business partner, particularly in raising awareness of careers within engineering and the nuclear industry as a whole. The Chamber, as the voice of the Suffolk business community, gives us access to the key business leaders and decision makers in the County, by way of personal introduction or through their vast range of networking opportunities, invaluable for an organisation like our own, which needs to engage with stakeholders continually.

EDF Energy's plans for new build are developing and the work that the Chamber is involved in with us on supply chain will assist in ensuring that we procure as much of our labour and material needs locally as possible.

David Driscoll – Homestead PDS

You have been very helpful since our first meeting. The Chamber has opened many doors the best being leads to Suffolk business. Just in case I forgot, many thanks to the Chamber.